EspaceBiblio: A solution for municipalities with population less than 5,000

Espace Biblio is a turnkey service for municipalities with population less than 5,000. The network structure helps reduce implementation and maintenance costs for the integrated library system. This service includes the Koha integrated library system, used by more than 15,000 libraries around the world), as well as the following services:

Record Migration

All bibliographic records and item records are migrated to Koha from your current software.

User Migration

All user files are migrated to Koha from your current software.

Koha Installation and Configuration

All Koha configuration and installation is done by our team.

On-Site Training

Two days of on-site traning by our librarian.

Online Training

You will have access to our online training videos.

Professional Support

Our support team, consisting of information science professionals and several developers, is there to help you with any questions or problems, should they arise.

Hosting

The Koha software as well as your data will be hosted on our secure servers.

Updates and Backups

Koha will be updated and we will backup your data.

Koha Modules

You will have access to the following four Koha modules:

Koha allows you to specify your lending policies by patron category and by document type. For every combination, you can define the loan duration, the maximum number of borrowed documents, fines, etc.

Although these values are configurable, the circulation desk staff can override these limits under exceptional circumstances.

A calendar allows you to set dates when your library is closed. Koha adjusts the borrowed documents’ due date accordingly.

Koha also supports book drops allowing patrons to return documents even when the library is closed.

You can quickly add new patrons with Koha.

Integrating the technology used within your organization, your staff will no longer need to enter your patrons’ information manually as it is possible to automatically create and authenticate them with Koha.

Patrons can choose to receive email notices:

• notifying them a few days prior
• to the due date;reminding them of the due date;
• advising them of three (3) configurable overdue warnings;

Your patrons can reset their password at any given time without having to call the library.

Koha assigns pictures to your patrons’ files.

Furthermore, your staff can enter comments into the patrons’ files to notify other team members of important information.

Finally, you can use the AddressComplete service from Canada Post with Koha which offers accurate address entry for your patrons, thus avoiding errors.

Reports and Statistics

All your statistics are easily accessible in Koha. Existing reports deliver the most commonly used data to libraries.

However, you can also easily generate personalized reports according to your specific needs.

inLibro may also assist you to generate a very specific report that requires more complex information.

Online Catalogue

Besides the four aforementioned modules, you will be able to give your users access to an online catalogue.

The online catalogue (OPAC) allows your users to access your library’s contents from any computer with Internet access.

Users can access their online file to:

• renew borrowed books
• reserve items
• add reviews
• manage document lists
• make purchasing suggestions

Logging into their online account also allows users access to different services such as:

• viewing magazines online with zinio
• borrowing e-books with OverDrive

Other Features

Web-based Application

Since Internet technology has changed significantly in recent years, Koha has taken advantage of the endless technological possibilities.

There are many advantages to a comprehensive Web-based application. For instance, installing additional software on your staff’s computer is unnecessary to use the application. Simply use your web browser. It applies to your patrons viewing your catalogue and your staff managing your library as well.

It is possible to easily integrate additional tools to the application. Afterwards for example, Zotero, which is a Firefox plug-in, allows you to create a bibliography in just a few clicks without modifying the original application.

Responsive Design for Mobile Devices

Koha’s public interface is compatible with all devices. Whether your patrons use a computer, a tablet or a cell phone, the interface adapts to each device.

Compatible with Self-checkout Systems

Koha is compatible with self-checkouts, including RFID checkout stations and all RFID devices used by your library.